About Me

Some friends, and a few family members, have mentioned how difficult it sometimes is keeping up with my schedule. As the mother of 25-year old Sam and 15-year old Cade, a training coordinator for American Airlines Reservations, and as an actress, I do tend to stay very busy. If you've had trouble "Keeping Up With Cheryl Ann" it is my hope you will find this site beneficial. And, I promise, I won't accuse you of stalking me!

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

If you remember, last July I went on the Atkins diet to lose some weight for Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical. I dieted for no other reason that my wanting to look decent in my cheerleader's costume. I don't mind the no-carb diet for short periods of time. I just can't make it my lifestyle. I mean, one can only consume eggs and cheese for so long.

I also stopped smoking a couple months ago. As a result, I've gained a couple of pounds. Instead of going outside for a late night smoke, I'd sit on the couch with a caloric feast. The scale and my mirror yelled at me to take immediate corrective action.

So, I volunteered to participate in a 21-day fitness study for Curves. It's pretty simple, I go and work out 30 minutes, 3 days a week. To keep me motivated my mom is also participating in the study.

Today was our first day and I'm really excited! Curves seems like a workout program that I can maintain. Their fitness concept combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity. Various machines provide safe and effective hydraulic resistance. And the kicker? You stay at each station for less than a minute! Just when your upper thighs are starting to really burn from the squat machine, it's time to move to the next station. The perpetual music keeps an energized beat and an audio lady tells you when to move. I love it!

Mom and I left today pretty pumped. We can't wait to go back on Thursday.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

This movie opens tomorrow, and I am dying to see it. I love Ashley Judd and Harry Connick, Jr. But there's another reason why I want to see this movie.

Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance will be producing the play, which is what the movie is based on. I read the script late last year and the role of Agnes (Ashley Judd) is my new dream role. As soon as I read the play I knew the part would be a challenge for me as an actress. Auditions are in July and the show goes up in August, so I've some time to really work on my audition.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Last night was opening night. There were about 75 chairs set up, but only about 25 folks came to see us. (Thank you Norman, Karen, Dillon and Yvonne for attending!)Mark Pirolo came to support NCSA and The Little Theatre.

We did pretty well considering it was the first time we actually ran the entire show. Matt forgot we had changed some of the movement, which made the stand I was supposed to move to overcrowded. Instead I went to the stage left stand, but dropped a couple of lines as I was searching for the correct page. Also, because we didn't really know what else to do with them, props were left on the floor and got kicked around. Still, both Adam and Norman were proud of our performance. One show down, one to go.

After Lemnos I headed over to Big Shotz Tavern for a God's Favorite cast party. I usually feel uncomfortable attending cast parties when I'm not even part of the cast, but Norm made me feel welcome. Michael Carter was there and it was nice catching up with him.

This afternoon Ken and I are headed to Greensboro for Heather and Jeff's wedding. I'm hopping we will have time to attend the reception before we have to depart for our seperate shows.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

This is the last weekend to see Theatre Alliance's production of Hair.

I saw the show last Saturday. I don't know what them hippies was smoking, but I can tell you it wasn't mary jane! Mary jane tends to mellow you out (not that I'm speaking from experience) and them hippies had a collective energy. This was made evident in their group songs and dances.

Emily Mark is, quite simply, an amazing actress. Having just finished bringing Belle to life in a recent production of Beauty and the Beast, she does a complete 180 as the strung-out Sheila. I've always been impressed with her vocal ability. She does not disappoint here.

Neil Sheppard is another standout actor. He's well endowed. Exceptional vocal talent and spot-on comedic timing make him delightful to watch. (Now, come on, what did you think I meant?)

I was pleasantly reminded of Ally McCauley's vocal power. I last saw her sing in a production of Sweet Charity. She has a wonderful solo here. And she makes a very beautiful pregnant woman.

Craig Dixon (pictured above) made me smile with his Sonny Bono good looks. While I didn't actually see it, this is the second time he's appeared nude in a Theatre Alliance show. I give him lots of props for having that kind of courage. And speaking of nudity, yes some of the cast get naked. The lights are low and it happens pretty quickly. Still, I happened to catch quite the glimpse of Jaye Pierce. My immediate thought: Damn! She just had a baby not long ago!

If you go to see Hair, and you definitly should, make sure to visit the restrooms before seating. There is no intermission.